Assistant Director of Engagement and Events, Penn Libraries
About The Position
The Assistant Director of Engagement and Events leads Penn Libraries’ strategic event and engagement portfolio, developing, planning, and executing high-touch, mission-aligned opportunities to strengthen donor and stakeholder relationships and advance fundraising goals. These include board meetings, regional cultivation events, on-campus programs, and development-adjacent initiatives. Reporting to the Executive Director of Development, the Assistant Director serves as the primary project manager for the Libraries’ donor-facing engagement calendar. The role coordinates internal and external partners, ensures events are executed with sophistication, consistency, and strategic alignment, and supports stewardship by planning campus visits and creating meaningful, personalized experiences.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Two to three years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and execute high-level events.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to collaborate with senior leaders, volunteers, donors, and partners.
- Adaptability and comfort in a fast-paced, goal-driven environment.
- Ability to work evenings and travel regionally as needed.
Nice To Haves
- Three to five years of relevant experience in event planning, development, donor relations, or related fields.
Responsibilities
- Plan, organize, and execute two annual on-campus Board of Advisors meetings, including logistical, technical, and catering support.
- Build infrastructure that enables senior leadership and volunteers to participate meaningfully in board meetings.
- Ensure gatherings align with institutional priorities and development goals.
- Partner with the Executive Director of Development and Senior Major Gift Officers to plan regional cultivation events in New York and other major cities where Libraries donors live.
- Manage event registration, venues, vendors, timelines, briefings, and follow-up for regional events.
- Design regional engagement experiences that advance donor cultivation pipelines.
- Collaborate with Penn Alumni Relations, the Kislak Center, and Libraries Development colleagues on Homecoming, Reunion Weekend, and similar on-campus programs.
- Ensure on-campus programs align with Penn Libraries’ mission and donor engagement strategies.
- Support development-aligned initiatives outside standard cultivation categories, including the Penn Libraries Book Prize in Sustainability and the Building Bridges Program.
- Partner with internal stakeholders to enhance the impact and visibility of development-adjacent initiatives.
- Coordinate logistics for campus visits by board members, donors, prospects, and their families.
- Prepare visit materials, coordinate schedules, and ensure follow-through after campus visits.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
- Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
- Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn, and for dependent children at other institutions.
- Basic, matching, and supplemental retirement plans.
- Substantial time away from work.
- Long-term care insurance.
- Wellness and work-life programs and resources.
- Professional and personal development resources.
- Access to University resources, libraries, athletic facilities, cultural activities, and recreational activities.
- Discounts and special services, including arts and entertainment, transportation, and other goods and services.
- Flexible work options and hours.
- Forgivable home ownership loan for eligible employees buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia.
- Adoption assistance reimbursement for eligible qualified expenses.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
